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Shikoku

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

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Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

Shikoku island comprises the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. Shikoku Henro spans all four regions, linking 88 temples associated with the monk Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo-Daishi), founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism and native of Shikoku. Aside from the scenic settings of the temples, there are examples of strikingly beautiful gates, main halls, precious images of Buddha and other treasures.

Shikoku Henro’s approximately 1,400- kilometer (870 mile) route along all 88 temples will take you through mountains, pastoral scenery, along the ocean, and into townships. On foot, the journey takes some 40 days to complete, but visitors can tailor their schedule to visit a portion of the temples by train, car or other means.

People from all over Japan make the pilgrimage to these temples to pray for spiritual training. As long as temple rules are observed, anybody may worship at these sacred places. Many travelers carry a special booklet called a “goshuin-cho” in which they receive stamps from each temple to commemorate their visit.

Along this fabled journey, you’ll most likely see worshippers wearing special white apparel and carrying a pilgrim’s staff. Affectionately called “O-henro-san,” they’re a welcome sight in many towns and villages. The mind of hospitality of local people who sympathize with them still remains in the form of directions as well as food and drink.



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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

The Pilgrimage Route of Japan Tour: Autumn Leaves

Group Tour | Luxury        

The Pilgrimage Route of Japan Tour: Autumn Leaves

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3698.00

Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Naruto / Koyasan / Kumano / Ise Shima
Experience and learn about the spiritual side of Japan.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Fri. Nov 3, 2023 Sat. Nov 11, 2023 US $3698.00 Osaka Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Fri. Nov 1, 2024 Sat. Nov 9, 2024 US $3698.00 Osaka Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Fri. Nov 7, 2025 Sat. Nov 15, 2025 US $3698.00 Osaka Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
The Pilgrimage Route of Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Group Tour | Luxury        

The Pilgrimage Route of Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Naruto / Koyasan / Kumano / Ise Shima
Experience and learn about the spiritual side of Japan.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Thu. Apr 4, 2024 Fri. Apr 12, 2024 US $3798.00 Osaka Osaka Luxury Save this tour Sold Out
Fri. Apr 4, 2025 Sat. Apr 12, 2025 US $3798.00 Osaka Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Spirit of Japan Tour: Autumn Leaves

Group Tour | Luxury        

Spirit of Japan Tour: Autumn Leaves

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $6098.00

Tokyo / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Naruto / Koyasan / Kumano / Ise Shima
Journey through the spiritual side of Japan by visiting centuries-old sites and scenic trails.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sat. Oct 28, 2023 Sat. Nov 11, 2023 US $6098.00 Tokyo Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Sat. Oct 26, 2024 Sat. Nov 9, 2024 US $6098.00 Tokyo Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Sat. Nov 1, 2025 Sat. Nov 15, 2025 US $6098.00 Tokyo Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Spirit of Japan (Reverse): Takayama Spring Festival & 
Cherry Blossoms

Group Tour | Luxury        

Spirit of Japan (Reverse): Takayama Spring Festival & Cherry Blossoms

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $6198.00

Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Naruto / Koyasan / Kumano / Ise Shima / Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa- go / Takayama / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo
Journey through the spiritual side of Japan by visiting centuries-old sites and scenic trails during the cherry blossom season.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Thu. Apr 4, 2024 Thu. Apr 18, 2024 US $6198.00 Osaka Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Sold Out
Fri. Apr 4, 2025 Fri. Apr 18, 2025 US $6198.00 Osaka Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Book Now